Deepika Chopra, a clinical psychologist, has a problem with the way optimism is often defined. Real optimism, she says, shouldn’t be about always expecting the best, because sometimes the bad thing will happen. Instead, she wants us to expect the best from ourselves. 

On today’s episode, Deepika joins Maya to talk about the deeply personal experience that changed her understanding of optimism – and how to hold onto hope while staying planted in reality. 

Check out Deepika’s book, “The Power of Real Optimism: A Practical, Science-Based Guide to Staying Resilient, Curious, and Open Even When Life Is Hard.”

If you enjoyed our conversation with Deepika and want to hear more from A Slight Change of Plans, we recommend these episodes:

• “You Have More Influence Than You Think” with Vanessa Bohns
• “Why We Avoid Conversations That Would Make Us Happier” with Nick Epley
• “How to Build Empathy and Avoid Burnout” with Jamil Zaki